Russia Turns to India for Gasoline amid Fuel Shortages

Russia has begun importing gasoline from India by sea in an effort to ease shortages caused by Ukrainian attacks on its energy infrastructure, Reuters reported, citing two industry sources.

The shortages are being felt across Russia. Rationing systems have been introduced in some regions, long lines have formed at gas stations, and prices have reached record highs. The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it is negotiating with several countries to import fuel at reasonable prices.

At least 60,000 metric tons of gasoline have been shipped from India to Russia, according to the sources. One source said Russia plans to import about 400,000 metric tons of gasoline per month from several countries, including Belarus, which already supplies fuel to Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on Sunday that Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries have caused fuel shortages in some regions. Last week, parliament approved tax amendments intended to address the shortages by subsidizing fuel imports based on the cost of shipments from India.

Meanwhile, India increased its imports of Russian oil to a record high in June, with Russian oil accounting for more than half of the country's total oil imports.

(Reuters, bak)